The sidearm: What’s a ‘split grip’ in disc golf? (and how it helps)

There are a few overstable approach putters known to the masses for their sidearm capabilities. Undoubtedly, you’ve heard flick-heavy disc golfers sing their praises time and time again:

• The Pig
• The Harp
• The Jokeri
• The Zone OS
• The Slammer

But here’s the thing about forehanding putters …

Unless it’s one of those faux, low-profile “tweener” putters like a Toro, Zone or Distortion, they’re frequently tall, bulky and weird-feeling in the hand when called upon for flick duties. The height and shelf-like shape of the stock putter makes it hard to grip solidly for a forehand.

No more.

Behold …

The split grip.

If this term’s new to you, you might also know it as a “fan grip,” “fork grip” or “split-finger.” To combat the flimsy feeling a power-gripped putter provides on a flick line, the split grip moves the pointer finger from the outside rim to the center of the disc to keep the flight plate stable.

It looks like this:

Goodbye wobble.

To form the split grip, do the following:

• With the flight plate up, place the disc between your thumb and pointer finger.
• Press your middle finger firmly against the inner rim of the putter.

• Fan your pointer finger out towards the center of the disc.
• Rest your pinky and ring fingers along the outside rim.

Ta-da.

* Note: To view a quick, time-stamped tutorial of the split grip, click here.

Let it be known, however …

The split grip is NOT for everyone.

Known for his sidearm, Joel Freeman flicks his Whales all over the world. And even he felt the need to speak out against the split grip during a tutorial video on how to forehand putters.

But for many, it’ll completely open up their forehand game, allowing them to get beyond mere Felons and Firebirds. You know, the space within which 99% of amateur disc golfers imprison their sidearms. As long as their flicks are fairly light on wrist-roll, the split grip will astound.

Yes, the turnover putter is a beautiful thing …

But a putter sidearm is a million times easier to execute.

The split grip makes it happen.

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